169 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
169 lines
3.4 KiB
Markdown
# Research Documentation - Format Selection Guide
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Choose the right format for your research output based on scope, complexity, and intended audience.
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## Quick Brief
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**Best for:** Initial findings, quick summaries, stakeholder updates
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**Length:** 1-2 pages
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**Structure:**
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- Question/Topic
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- Key Findings (3-5 bullet points)
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- Sources Used
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- Next Steps
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**Example Use:**
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"Should we adopt React or Vue?"
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→ Quick Brief comparing both with recommendation
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---
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## Comparison Matrix
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**Best for:** Evaluating multiple options against criteria
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**Structure:**
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```
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| Criteria | Option A | Option B | Option C |
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|----------|----------|----------|----------|
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| Cost | $ | $$ | $$$ |
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| Learning Curve | Easy | Medium | Hard |
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| ... | | | |
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```
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**Example Use:**
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Technology evaluation, vendor comparison, feature analysis
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---
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## Research Summary
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**Best for:** Balanced overview of a topic with findings and recommendations
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**Length:** 2-4 pages
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**Structure:**
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- Overview
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- Key Findings
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- Analysis & Synthesis
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- Recommendations
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- Sources & Citations
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**Example Use:**
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Market trends, industry analysis, competitive landscape
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---
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## Comprehensive Report
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**Best for:** Deep dives, detailed analysis, archival
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**Length:** 5-20 pages
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**Structure:**
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- Executive Summary
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- Introduction & Context
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- Methodology
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- Findings (organized by theme)
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- Analysis & Implications
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- Recommendations
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- Appendices
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- References
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**Example Use:**
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Product research, technical investigation, business analysis
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---
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## Decision Memo
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**Best for:** Research that informs a specific decision
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**Structure:**
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- Decision Required
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- Background
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- Research Findings
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- Options with Trade-offs
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- Recommendation
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- Implementation Steps
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**Example Use:**
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Technology selection, resource allocation, strategic direction
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---
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## Selection Flowchart
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```
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What are you researching?
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├─ Quick answer needed?
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│ └─ Quick Brief
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│
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├─ Comparing options?
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│ └─ Comparison Matrix
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│
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├─ Balanced overview?
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│ └─ Research Summary
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│
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├─ Supporting a decision?
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│ └─ Decision Memo
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│
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└─ Comprehensive documentation?
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└─ Comprehensive Report
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```
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---
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## Format Standards
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**Citation Style**
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- APA, MLA, Chicago, or Harvard
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- Include author, date, source
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- Use consistent format throughout
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**Sourcing**
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- Link to actual sources
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- Note access date for web content
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- Mark primary vs. secondary sources
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- Include direct quotes with attribution
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**Structure**
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- Clear headings (H2, H3, etc.)
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- Short paragraphs (2-4 sentences)
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- Bullet points for lists
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- Tables for comparisons
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**Visual Elements**
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- Include relevant charts/graphs
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- Use consistent formatting
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- Add images/screenshots with captions
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- Label tables and figures clearly
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---
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## Examples by Format
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### Example 1: Quick Brief
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**Topic:** Headless CMS Options
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**Sources:** 2 tools evaluated
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**Decision Time:** 2 hours research
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**Outcome:** Recommendation selected in 1 day
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### Example 2: Comparison Matrix
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**Topic:** Email Service Providers
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**Sources:** 4 vendors evaluated
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**Decision Time:** 4 hours research
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**Outcome:** Feature matrix drives selection
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### Example 3: Research Summary
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**Topic:** AI Model Options for Product
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**Sources:** 10+ sources reviewed
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**Decision Time:** 8 hours research
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**Outcome:** Technical team briefed, approach chosen
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### Example 4: Comprehensive Report
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**Topic:** Market Analysis for New Product
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**Sources:** 20+ sources, interviews
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**Decision Time:** 40+ hours research
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**Outcome:** Business case developed, investment approved
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